MP praises student retention rise

Member for Kalgoorlie Kyran O’Donnell has lauded nationwide statistics revealing a surge in Aboriginal student retention over the past decade, saying it points to improved opportunities for life after school.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show an increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying from Year 7 through to Year 12, with retention rates having risen from 59.8 per cent nationally in 2016 to 62.4 per cent in 2017 — a 2.6 per cent hike.

It marked the biggest jump since the 2013-14 period when the figure lifted by 4 per cent. The ABS stated Aboriginal student retention rates from Year 7 through to Year 12 had increased by 15.2 per cent over the past decade.

Mr O’Donnell, the WA shadow minister for Aboriginal affairs, said the statistics were a positive outcome for Aboriginal education.

“The increase from 47.2 per cent to 62.4 per cent over the past 10 years is significant and this steady shift also suggests great things in terms of future opportunities ... increasing their options of tertiary studies and employment prospects,” he said.

“Eventually I hope to see an equal retention rate shared by both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and non-indigenous students.”

The non-indigenous retention rate increased from 2016 to 2017 by 0.5 per cent, rising to 86 per cent.

“We need to continue working on incentives and strategies that will encourage more students to remain in school,” Mr O’Donnell said.

“Greater levels of family support ... cultural awareness training provided to teaching staff, increasing their understanding of how to best meet the needs of Aboriginal students.

“Going by the figures, the gap is gradually closing, and with the work currently being done at the primary school level to increase school attendance, I believe the retention rate will be looking even better in five years.”

Mr O’Donnell said many factors also discouraged young Aboriginal people from finishing school, including peer pressure, negative school environments, lack of family support and distance from schools for residents of remote communities.

Department of Education deputy director-general of schools Lindsay Hale said the success of Aboriginal students continued to be one of the department’s priorities.

“In 2017, the department initiated a more targeted approach to teaching and supporting Aboriginal students, including the establishment of an Aboriginal Education Teaching and Learning Directorate, strengthened support for Aboriginal students, research partnerships, and the appointment of two elders in residence,” he said.

“Schools also work with families and run programs that reflect the needs of their communities to support students with their learning.”

Last year the State Government said 50 Aboriginal and Islander education officers would be employed in WA schools to provide direct support to Aboriginal students.